Game fishing, also known as sport fishing or big game
fishing, is one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences for anglers.
Whether you’re chasing marlin off the coast on your Quintrex Trident or
battling tuna on your Pioneer
Bay Sport, game fishing combines skill, patience, and adventure in a way
few outdoor sports can match. Here’s everything you need to know about game
fishing to get started or improve your approach.
What is Game Fishing?
Game fishing involves targeting large, powerful fish species
using specialised equipment and techniques. Unlike casual fishing, it’s not
just about the catch… It’s about the sport, the strategy, and the adrenaline
rush that comes with landing a monster fish.
Popular game fish species include marlin, sailfish, tuna,
kingfish, mahi-mahi (dorado), and swordfish. These fish are known for their
speed, strength, and spectacular fights, often leaping out of the water or
diving deep in a struggle that can last hours.
Essential Gear for Game Fishing
To handle these oceanic giants, you’ll need heavy-duty
tackle. Key pieces of equipment include:
- Big Game Rods and Reels: Built for strength and
durability, these rods and reels can handle high tension and long fights.
- Braided or Heavy Monofilament Line: Line strength is
crucial when targeting large fish. 50- to 130-pound test lines are standard in
game fishing.
- Lures and Baits: Trolling lures, live bait (like
mackerel or squid), and skirted lures are commonly used depending on the target
species.
- Fighting Belt and Harness: These accessories help
anglers manage fatigue and maintain control during long battles.
- Outriggers and Downriggers: These tools spread your
lures across a wider area while trolling, increasing your chances of a strike.
You can get these items in your local marine shops.
Techniques and Tips
Game fishing often involves trolling, which is the act of dragging
lures or bait behind a moving boat to catch your prey’s attention and chase
your lure/bait. Other techniques include live baiting and switch baiting
(teasing fish with artificial lures, then switching to live bait for the
hook-up).
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Stay
Patient: Big game fishing often means long waits between bites.
Patience and persistence are key.
- Watch
the Signs: Birds diving, bait fish jumping, or slicks on the water are
good indicators of nearby predators.
- Work
as a Team: Successful game fishing often involves multiple people
working together, from spotting fish to reeling them in and landing them
safely.
Conservation and Ethics
Many game fish are tagged and released to support marine
conservation. Practising catch and release helps preserve fish populations and
ensures the sport can be enjoyed by future generations.
A few ethical fishing methods you can do are: use circle
hooks to minimise injury, handle fish carefully, and release them promptly if
you’re not keeping the catch.
Game fishing is more than just a pastime; it’s an adventure
filled with challenges, triumphs, and stories to tell. With the right
knowledge, gear, and respect for the ocean, you can enjoy this exciting sport
while helping protect our marine ecosystems.